Dear MCS Family,
As we close out September together, I want to thank each of you for the way you’ve helped us start the school year with energy, intention, and purpose. A smooth start doesn’t happen by chance; it happens because of your commitment to move Marietta forward.
I encourage you to carry that same spirit of teamwork and determination into the weeks ahead. Whether in a classroom, a cafeteria, or a boardroom, every effort adds up to something greater for our children.
As a reminder, all schools will be closed for Fall Break from September 22 to 26. We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, September 29, ready to continue this journey together.
Sincerely,
Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting
September 16, 2025 | Regular Board Meeting
Student of the Month
The Board of Education recognized Reagan Alford, a third-grader at Dunleith Elementary, as the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for September.
Reagan is kind and respectful to everyone she meets, and she is willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates and teachers. In class, she stays focused, gives her very best effort, and takes pride in her learning. Reagan also leads by example. She follows directions right away, models excellent behavior, and inspires her peers to do the same.
The Board of Education congratulates Reagan for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for September.
Student of the Month
The Board of Education recognized Oliver Sheehan, a second-grader at West Side Elementary, as the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for September.
Oliver is known as a "ray of sunshine," greeting each day with a smile and a positive attitude. He works hard in the classroom and excels academically. His perseverance shines as he overcomes challenges with courage and determination. Oliver’s love for learning is matched by his care for his classmates and for West Side.
The Board of Education congratulates Oliver for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for September.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Heather Simmons, a first-grade teacher at Dunleith Elementary, as the September Employee of the Month.
Ms. Simmons is dedicated to her students and her colleagues. As grade-level chair and team lead, she leads meetings, keeps her team informed, and ensures her colleagues feel supported. Through her communication with parents, she builds strong partnerships and makes sure expectations are always clear.
In the classroom, Ms. Simmons creates a fun and rigorous learning environment, guiding her students to master first-grade standards while keeping them engaged and excited to learn. Her leadership and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the Dunleith community.
The Board of Education congratulates Heather Simmons for being a Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for September.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Julia Olguin, West Side Elementary’s Custodial Team Lead, as the September Employee of the Month.
Mrs. Olguin takes great pride in her work and in the cleanliness of her school. She has built a collaborative custodial team and leads them with high expectations, ensuring that West Side is always spotless and welcoming for students and staff. Known for her positivity, she is always willing to step in and help at any moment, going above and beyond every day.
Her dedication extends beyond her role at West Side, as a proud mom of Marietta High School graduates and a current senior.
The Board of Education congratulates Julia for being a Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for September.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Piedmont Church for its continued dedication to the district and community.
Through proceeds from its 2025 Egg Drop event, Piedmont Church made generous donations to all 12 Marietta City Schools. In addition, the church extended its giving to the Marietta Police Foundation, supporting the Shop with a Cop program that provides Christmas gifts for MCS students.
Congratulations, and thank you to Piedmont Church and Marlon Longacre for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Credit Union of Georgia for its ongoing support of MCS staff.
The Credit Union gives generously to the district through both in-kind and monetary donations, including meals for staff at every school and several Central Office departments, as well as sponsoring our annual Staff Kickoff. In addition, Kathy Winiarczyk, the Credit Union’s business development officer, serves as the Marietta Business Association’s Education Committee Chair, helping ensure initiatives directly and positively impact Marietta City Schools.
Congratulations, and thank you to the Credit Union of Georgia, Kathy Winiarczyk, and Amanda Arnold for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Amanda Barrett, biotechnology teacher at Marietta High School, for receiving the Teacher of the Year Award at the Georgia Life Sciences 2025 Golden Helix Awards.
This statewide honor recognizes educators who inspire curiosity and critical thinking. Ms. Barrett blends her deep scientific knowledge with engaging teaching methods, creating a classroom where students are curious and empowered. Her students are even researching solutions to real-world problems that showcase biotechnology in action, like a topical cream that could prevent poison ivy reactions. She also played a key role in developing the Biotechnology Career Pathway at MHS.
Congratulations, and thank you to Ms. Barrett for inspiring innovation in Marietta High School students.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Samaritan’s Feet and Truist for their partnership with Lockheed Elementary School.
At an event on August 26, Samaritan’s Feet partnered with Truist to provide a new pair of shoes, socks, and an encouraging “Hope Note” to every Lockheed student. Truist teammates also led interactive financial education activities designed to equip students with lifelong money management skills. Through collaboration, these organizations helped support both the immediate and long-term success of our students.
Congratulations, and thank you to Samaritan’s Feet and James Holmes from Truist for accepting this recognition.
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - August 19, 2025 - Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - August 22, 2025 Mini Retreat (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - September 5, 2025 Fall Retreat (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - September 9, 2025 Work Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Policy Review - 30 day review (7/0 - Approved)
- Communities in Schools Site Coordinator Program – Marietta High School (7/0 - Approved)
- GPS Bus Tracking & Timekeeping – Cal/Amp (7/0 - Approved)
- Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
- FY 2025-26 Board Training Plan (7/0 - Approved)
- Fast Start Academy – Kennesaw State University
- Study Abroad Partnership – Kennesaw State University
- School Resource Officers – Memorandum of Understanding (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matter(7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Administrative Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of New Position (7/0 - Approved)